TALBOT’S CRAIG A CRACKER CUP FINAL
Ex- United youngster is Ardagh Cup’s head man
Auchinleck Talbot .... 1 Glenafton.................. 0
Craig McCracken dreamed he would score the winner – and his vision became reality as Auchinleck clinched the Ardagh Cup.
The former Ayr United youngster bulleted home a header to dump Glenafton in Sunday’s final at Meadow Park.
McCracken had lost his two previous Ardagh finals so was delighted to make it third time lucky.
He said: “It’s brilliant to end that losing streak. I woke up this morning and dreamt last night I was going to score so it really is a dream come true.
“I’m a Talbot fan so to score and win a cup final is different class.
“Some of the boys haven’t won this trophy before so that completes a full set of trophies for them.
“There has been a lot of changes at the club this season and it’s a great way to start the season.”
After a low key first- half, the final burst into life six minutes after the interval.
Kyle McAusland crashed a 35 yard cracker off the post. Dale Moore hit the other post with the rebound and when Mick McCann reacted quickest, Andy Leishman foiled him with a magnificent stop.
Talbot tore upfield and when Jamie Glasgow swung over a corner McCracken climbed high to power a header past Brian McGarrity.
Graham Wilson fired a free- kick off the bar as Talbot chased a killer second which never came.
Delighted Beechwood boss Tommy Sloan said: “The first strike from McAusland was an amazing hit but it came back off the post and that’s the wee break you sometimes need.
“I’m cock a hoop for the boys. Silverware always helps keep the supporters happy.
’ We are not quite where we want to be but are working hard to get there.
“We’re far from perfect but the boys that have come in have real talent.”
Dejected Glens boss Craig McEwan said: ‘’ We’ve crashed the woodwork twice, gave them some harem scare moments and they go up the park and score.
‘’ It was a hard one to take and that was the only difference between the sides.”